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Juicy oven-baked meatloaf with ketchup glaze sliced and served on a wooden board
sonny

Juicy Oven-Baked Meatloaf Recipe (Easy & Family Favorite)

A juicy, oven-baked meatloaf made with simple pantry ingredients, tender minced meat, vegetables, and a rich ketchup glaze. This easy family-favorite recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, and delicious meatloaf sandwiches.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 850 g minced meat beef or chicken
  • 1 egg
  • 4 tablespoons milk
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
  • can substitute oats or bread slices
  • ½ cup finely chopped onion
  • ½ cup finely chopped red bell pepper
  • or grated carrot
  • 1½ finely chopped green bell peppers
  • 1 tablespoon crushed garlic
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped green chili optional
  • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning optional
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon mustard paste optional
  • A few drops of lemon juice optional

Method
 

  1. 🔹 Step 1: Prepare the Mixture

    In a large mixing bowl, crack 1 egg.
    Add milk and whisk lightly.
    Add breadcrumbs/crackers/oats and mix.
    Add minced meat (do not overmix; gentle mixing keeps it tender).
    Add all seasonings:salt, black pepper, onion powder, Italian seasoning.
    Add garlic, green chili, onion, red & green bell peppers.
    Add ½ cup ketchup.
    Mix gently by hand or spoon—do not overwork the mixture.

    🔹 Step 2: Shape & Bake

    Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
    Grease a loaf pan or baking dish.
    Transfer the mixture and shape evenly.
    Bake for 50 minutes.
    (If cooking on stovetop: cook on medium heat first, then medium-low until done.)

    🔹 Step 3: Prepare the Glaze

    In a bowl, mix:
    ½ cup ketchup
    1 tsp mustard paste
    Optional lemon juice
    Mix well.

    🔹 Step 4: Final Bake

    After 50 minutes, remove meatloaf.
    Brush the glaze generously on top.
    Return to oven and bake for 15 more minutes.

Notes

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

  • Slice once slightly cooled
  • Serve with:
    • Mashed potatoes
    • Boiled vegetables or green beans
    • Dinner rolls or bread
  • Also great for sandwiches

✅ Tips

  • Don’t overmix—this keeps the meatloaf soft and juicy
  • You can customize veggies based on what you have
  • Perfect make-ahead family dish